Sharing of environmental data for client device usage

ABSTRACT

Embodiments are generally directed to sharing of environmental data for client device usage. An embodiment of a client device includes a processor; an environmental sensor to sense an environmental condition, an output of the sensor being a local environmental sensor value; and a wireless receiver to receive environmental data for a certain proximity area from a second client device according to an environmental data sharing protocol via a wireless network. The environmental data sharing protocol allows receipt of the environmental data without requiring pairing, bonding, or other relationship of client devices.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein generally relate to the field of electronicdevices and, more particularly, sharing of environmental data for clientdevice usage.

BACKGROUND

Modern client computing systems have become increasingly thinner in formfactor, and further are provided in a variety of constrained formfactors. At the time, the power and performance of these computingsystems, including smartphones, tablets, Ultrabooks™, 2-in-1 systems,and other systems, are increasing many fold. As a result, such computingsystems face conditions including system level and chassis level thermalissues very frequently.

To accommodate these thermal issues, client computing systems employintelligent thermal and power management algorithms to mitigate thethermal issues by monitoring the chassis/skin temperatures eitherdirectly or indirectly (using a proxy sensor or virtual sensor), andtake mitigation actions based on these temperature sensors and OEMdefined thresholds for these sensors.

However, a significant problem in defining the target thresholdtemperatures for these sensors is that the detected temperatures aregreatly impacted by the environment in which the client computing deviceis used. One key environmental factor is the ambient temperature of theenvironment the computing device is utilized within, which may varywidely for a mobile device that is utilized in many different locationsfor many different purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments described here are illustrated by way of example, and not byway of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in whichlike reference numerals refer to similar elements.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an environmental data sharing networkaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart to illustrate a process for environmental datasharing transmission according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart to illustrate a process for environmental datasharing reception according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart to illustrate a process for modification of deviceinformation used shared environmental data according to an embodiment;and

FIG. 5 is an illustration of electronic devices operable to provide forsharing of environmental data in a wireless network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein are generally directed to sharing ofenvironmental data for client device usage.

For the purposes of this description, the following apply:

“Mobile device” or “mobile electronic device” refers to a smartphone,smartwatch, tablet computer, notebook or laptop computer, handheldcomputer, mobile Internet device, wearable technology, or other mobileapparatus that includes processing ability and communication ability.

“Physical space” refers to any space or sub-space within or outside of aphysical structure.

“System on chip” or “SoC” refers to a chip or integrated circuit (IC)that includes all components of a system, including, for example, allcomponents of a computer.

“Environmental sensor” refers to a mechanism to sense or detectconditions, events, or changes in an environment and to produce aresulting output, wherein the output may be referred to as sensor data,sensing data, or similar terms. The output of a sensor may include, butis not limited to, electrical and optical signals. Conditions, events,and changes in an environment may include, but are limited to,temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, altitude, light(luminosity), and sound.

In some embodiments, an apparatus, system, and process provide forsharing environmental data for client device usage. In some embodiments,the environmental data may be shared according to an environmental datasharing protocol, wherein the protocol enables casual transmission andreception of environmental data for client devices within a proximityarea. In some embodiments, environmental data may be shared for clientdevice management. In one example, the environmental data includesambient temperature data, wherein the ambient temperature data may beutilized to modify one or more threshold values in the operation of aclient device operating in the proximity area. In some embodiments,environmental data may be shared for application in client deviceoperations, for example for use in security monitoring and otherpurposes.

In the operation of mobile devices, particularly with regard to moderndevices providing both a thin form factor and high performanceoperation, there is a need to monitor and address thermal overloadconditions. In particular, the skin temperature (or cover/chassistemperature) of a mobile device can have a significant impact on thecomfort and overall user experience of a user of the mobile device.Excessive heat will cause a mobile device to be uncomfortable toutilize, even if the internal temperature is not sufficient does notendanger the operation or lifespan of internal components, i.e., thethermal limit is a soft thermal limit.

However, the effect of the skin temperature of a mobile device on userexperience is closely tied with the ambient temperature, with anincreased ambient temperature resulting creating a circumstance in whichthe user is generally more tolerant of a higher skin temperature than inlower ambient temperatures because it is the difference between theambient temperature and the skin temperature that the user is mostsensitive to.

In a mobile device, it may generally be assumed that a value of 15 to20° C. above the ambient temperature can be tolerated by a user.However, the actual value that is chosen may vary with other factorsincluding the cover material, as, for example, metal conducts heat moreefficiently than plastic and thus a temperature difference is felt morequickly with a metal cover than a plastic cover. Commonly a temperaturethreshold or limit beyond which a skin temperature will not be allowedis established for a mobile device, with the device instituting powercontrol measures to reduce heat output if the threshold is exceeded.

Designers and manufacturers of mobile devices typically assume aparticular ambient temperature, for example a 25° C. ambienttemperature, when defining the target temperature threshold or limit forthe chassis/skin of a particular mobile device. Based on this ambienttemperature of 25° C., a tolerable temperature for a particular metaldevice chassis may be 20 degrees higher, or 45° C., which is thenestablished as the threshold for the mobile device.

However, the tolerable temperature is based on an assumed ambienttemperature that often will not be correct as the mobile device iscarried into different environments with differing temperatures. If, forexample, a 20 degree difference is tolerable, then at a 35° C. ambienttemperature, a tolerable temperature limit of the same metal chassiswould then be 55° C. Thus, the assumption of a 25° C. ambienttemperature creates a circumstance in which the skin temperature may beoverly controlled at higher ambient temperatures, and thus is resultingin reduced performance by the mobile device. In contrast, a thermalpadding is very noticeable at a lower ambient temperature, and theassumption of a 25° C. ambient temperature may result in a mobile devicefeeling overly warm if the threshold temperature is reached.

For this reason, a more effective threshold would be based on a trueambient temperature. However, a mobile device commonly does not have ameans to reliably know the current ambient temperature in the location,and thus the thermal management implementation for the mobile devicecannot adjust threshold values accordingly.

In any particular environment, there are commonly many different mobileand stationary client devices being operated by different users, oroperating independently in the case of Internet of Things (IoT)connected devices. Each such client device may potentially includeenvironmental sensors capable of generating environmental data. However,accessing such data is difficult as the data is commonly held separatelyby each relevant device, thus requiring significant effort to requestand receive environmental data if such service is available. In certainconventional apparatuses and systems data may be broadcast and sharedvia, for example, Bluetooth™ utilizing the iBeacon function. However,this implementation requires special devices that are manufactured forthe specified purpose. For this reason, such apparatuses and systems arenot economical or practical for general consumer usage in which a mobiledevice requires environmental data in varying locations.

In some embodiments, a client device is operable to share environmentaldata through implementation of an environmental data sharing protocol ina wireless network, the protocol enabling casual transmission andreception of environment data that may be utilized in mobile deviceoperation. In some embodiments, a client device is operable to utilizereceived environmental data in the internal management of such device orsystem.

In some embodiments, implementation of an environment data sharingprotocol may utilize, for example, Internet of Things (IoT) access. Insome embodiments, a standard is defined to provide a standard basedprotocol that various IoT devices may implement to enable the sharing ofenvironmental data, wherein the environmental data may then be used forinternal management of a mobile device. In some embodiments, IoT deviceswithin a certain proximity to each other (i.e., the devices are locatedwithin a certain proximity area) are operable to broadcast environmentaldata, for example the ambient temperature, through the standard basedprotocol that could then be used by the client computing device toadjust the thresholds for the skin temperature.

In some embodiments, an environmental data protocol is defined, whereinthe protocol may be a standard or may be vendor defined protocol, theprotocol to expose environmental data that is available to, for example,an “Internet enabled” room thermostat, IoT device, WiFi Router or accesspoint, or other connected client device, for any other client device toconsume. The environmental data that is exposed for device consumptionmay include any value relating to the local environment, and morespecifically may include temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure,light, sound, altitude, and other measures of the local environment.

In one embodiment, a client device utilizing an environmental dataprotocol may implement the “Beacon Frame Packet” used by wirelessdevices as environmental data frames. Beacon frames are commonly used tobroadcast SSID (Service Set Identifier) and other identificationinformation to client devices for device discovery. The beacon framestypically include a facility to expose vendor specific informationencoded into the packet data. In an embodiment, environmental data isinserted into the beacon frame data structure format such that thebeacon frame operates as an environmental data frame.

In some embodiments, temperature data or other environment data can beencoded in the beacon frame packet either under a Vendor Specific Tag oras a new Tagged Parameter for client computing devices to use in thermalmanagement algorithms and policy.

In an alternative embodiment, the sharing of environmental data isprovided by augmenting a device inquiry mechanism in a short distancewireless system. The wireless technology may be, for example, Bluetooth,which enables the exchanging over short distances. In some embodiments,the applicable wireless protocol is augmented to further include theexchange of environmental data in wireless data advertising withoutrequiring the pairing, bonding, or other relationship of client devices.In this manner any client devices utilizing Bluetooth under theaugmented protocol may be capable of providing and receivingenvironmental data without requiring authentication or handshakingbetween devises and without exposing any other data of the Bluetoothenabled device.

A significant benefit of an embodiment of an environmental data sharingapparatus, system, or process is that a client device requiring accessto environmental data is not required to pair or connect to the providerof the environmental data in order to obtain the required information.Rather, the client device is able to obtain environmental data throughcasual transmission and reception of environmental data.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an environmental data sharing networkaccording to an embodiment. In some embodiments, a wireless network 100,wherein the wireless network may include Internet of Things, a shortdistance wireless network, or other similar wireless network technology,provides communication between multiple client devices for the sharingof environmental data according to an environment sharing protocol. Insuch operation, there is at least one physical area referred to aproximity area 105, wherein the proximity area may be any area that isclose enough in distance in order for shared environmental data to be ofuse in for a receiving device.

In some embodiments, the client devices operating according to theprotocol may include one or more mobile devices utilized by a user 150,wherein the mobile devices are illustrated in FIG. 1 as a smartphone155, a notebook computer 160, and a tablet computer 165. In the wirelessnetwork 100 there may also be one or more stationary devices, whereinthe stationary devices are illustrated as a IoT or other networkconnected thermostat 120, wherein the thermostat 120 includes both thecapability of sensing one or more environmental conditions, and inparticular temperature, and the capability of sharing environmental datawirelessly.

In some embodiments, communication through one or more network routers110 and 115, for example WiFi routers, to provide connection with IoT,or direct peer to peer communication between devices. In someimplementations, the thermal and other environment data may be providedfrom the WiFi router. Such a device is centrally located, and couldeither include environmental sensors or could receive and provide andexpose the data received from one or more devices including suchsensors.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart to illustrate a process for environmental datasharing transmission according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, aprocess for environmental data sharing transmission 200 includes thefollowing:

205: Establishing communication by a stationary or mobile client devicein a wireless network. The wireless network may include connecting viaWiFi, cellular, or other means to the Internet for IoT operation;operating to provide data in a short distance wireless system, forexample Bluetooth; or other wireless network in which an environmentaldata sharing protocol is implemented.

210: Measuring environmental conditions by the client device utilizingone or more environmental sensors. The sensors may include sensingtemperature, humidity, barometric pressure, altitude, light, sound,altitude, or other environmental condition. In a particular example, anenvironmental sensor measures ambient temperature.

215: Monitor for and receive request for environmental data. In someembodiments, the client device may optionally monitor for requests forenvironmental data received according to the environmental data sharingprotocol, wherein the request may request particular environmental datawithin a specified proximity area. In other embodiments, the clientdevice may provide environmental data without requesting, for exampletransmitting such environmental data periodically.

220: Generating environmental data for transmission, wherein generatingenvironmental data may include providing a sample value (for example atemperature at a certain time), generating an average value over acertain period of time (for example an average temperature), providingvalue extremes (for example a maximum temperature and a minimumtemperature over a certain period of time), or other known data form.

225: Preparing environmental data frame according to the environmentaldata sharing protocol. The preparation of the data frame may include useof an existing frame that is augmented for environmental data sharingaccording to the protocol. The data frame may include additionalinformation according to the protocol, for example a time value and alocation value for the environmental data.

230: Transmitting the prepared environmental data frame containing theenvironmental data.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart to illustrate a process for environmental datasharing reception according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, aprocess for environmental data sharing reception 350 includes thefollowing:

355: A client device, for example a mobile device, enters a particularphysical location, the physical location being within a proximity areafor purposes of an environmental data sharing protocol.

360: Establishing communication by the client device in a wirelessnetwork according to the environmental data sharing protocol. Thewireless network may include connecting via WiFi, cellular, or othermeans to the Internet for IoT operation; operating to provide data in ashort distance wireless system, for example Bluetooth; or other wirelessnetwork in which an environmental data sharing protocol is implemented.

365: Transmit request for environmental data. Optionally anenvironmental data sharing protocol may provide for transmission for arequest for environmental data by a client device, wherein the requestmay include specification of environmental data needed andidentification of a proximity area for which the client device requiresenvironmental data.

370: Monitoring transmissions on the wireless network for environmentalframe data by the client device pursuant to the environmental datasharing protocol.

375: Receiving environmental data frames containing certainenvironmental data by the client device.

380: Retrieving environmental data from the received environmental dataframes, and utilizing such data or storing the data for later use. Theenvironmental data may include data regarding temperature, humidity,barometric pressure, altitude, light, sound, or other environmentalcondition. In a particular example, an environmental data is ambienttemperature.

In some embodiments, the received environmental data is utilized forinternal management of the client device, for example the receipt ofdata may include receipt of ambient temperature data, the ambienttemperature being utilized to modify one or more threshold values tomaintain operation of the mobile device as illustrated in FIG. 4.

However, embodiments are not limited to this particular usage of ambienttemperature data, and such data be applied for other purposes. In anexample, ambient temperature may be used for an Internet connected smartdevice to monitor temperatures from nearby sources to identify dangerousor unusual conditions in a security system. In one implementation a homegateway device may monitor ambient temperature from various IoT securitycameras or motion sensor devices to monitor for fire events, freezingevents, open doors or windows, or other similar conditions, and to thennotify owners or public services accordingly.

In another example, public authorities may utilize availableenvironmental data for public service purposes, including public utilitymonitoring and public safety.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart to illustrate a process for modification of deviceinformation used shared environmental data according to an embodiment.In some embodiments, a process for device operation using sharedenvironmental data 400 includes the following:

405: Monitoring local sensor data in a client device, for example amobile device, wherein the data may include a skin temperature of theclient device, the skin temperature being designated as T_(Skin).

410: Retrieving shared environmental data received according to anenvironmental data sharing protocol, for example as illustrated in FIG.3. The shared environmental data may include data regarding temperature,humidity, barometric pressure, altitude, light, sound, or otherenvironmental condition. In a particular example, an environmental datais ambient temperature.

415: Adjust one or more threshold values (T_(Th)) for the client devicebased on the received environmental data to generate an adjustedthreshold value. For a temperature, the adjusted threshold temperature(T_(AdjTh)). In some embodiments, more than one type of environmentalmay be utilized in adjusting a threshold value, and, in this particularexample, another environmental data value that may be utilized to adjustthe threshold temperature is altitude.

420: Compare the local sensor value to the adjusted threshold value, forexample comparing a local temperature sensor value measuring skintemperature to the adjusted threshold temperature value.

425: In the example of skin temperature for the client device, determineif the skin temperature is greater than the adjusted thresholdtemperature (T_(Skin)>T_(AdjTh)).

430: In the example of skin temperature comparison, upon determiningthat the skin temperature is greater than the adjusted temperaturethreshold, implementing power control measures as needed to reduce theskin temperature to no more than the adjusted threshold temperaturevalue. The power control measures may include throttling operation ofthe client device, reducing clock speed, or any other known method ofreducing power consumption of a client device.

435: The client device then continues operation with the one or morepower controls in place to reduce the skin temperature of the clientdevice, and continue with monitoring the local sensor value 405.

440: In the example of skin temperature comparison, upon determiningthat the skin temperature is less than the adjusted temperaturethreshold, and thus the skin temperature is not excessively warm for thecurrent ambient temperature, the client device may disable power controlmeasures if currently enabled, and continue with monitoring the localsensor value 405.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of client devices operable to provide forsharing of environmental data in a wireless network. In thisillustration, certain standard and well-known components that are notgermane to the present description are not shown. Elements shown asseparate elements may be combined, including, for example, an SoC(System on Chip) combining multiple elements on a single chip.

In some embodiments, a wireless network 500 enables communication ordata transfer between multiple client devices, including sharing ofenvironment data between the devices in a particular proximity areaaccording to an environmental data sharing protocol. In this example thedevices may include a mobile device 505 and a second client device 580that may be, for example an IoT device. However embodiments are notlimited to the illustrated example, and may include other and differentdevices and systems.

In some embodiments, there is a direct or indirect wirelesscommunication 575 between the client devices in the wireless network forthe sharing of environmental data between the client devices accordingto the environmental data sharing protocol. In some embodiments, thetransfer of data is in the form of environmental data frames 590 orother data format according to the environmental data sharing protocol.While in the particular example illustrated in FIG. 5 the environmentaldata is provided by the second client device 580 and received by mobiledevice 505, embodiments are limited to this particular implementation,and may include transmission, reception, or both of environmental databetween any of the devices and systems in a proximity area. In someembodiments, the environmental data sharing protocol may further providefor transmission and reception of requests for environmental data.

In some embodiments, the mobile device 505 includes a processing means,for example one or more processors 510, coupled to one or more buses orinterconnects, shown in general as bus 565. The processors 510 maycomprise one or more physical processors and one or more logicalprocessors. In some embodiments, the processors may include one or moregeneral-purpose processors or special-processor processors.

The bus 565 is a communication means for transmission of data. The bus565 is illustrated as a single bus for simplicity, but may representmultiple different interconnects or buses and the component connectionsto such interconnects or buses may vary. The bus 565 shown in FIG. 5 isan abstraction that represents any one or more separate physical buses,point-to-point connections, or both connected by appropriate bridges,adapters, or controllers.

In some embodiments, the mobile device 505 further comprises a randomaccess memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device or element as a mainmemory 515 for storing information and instructions to be executed bythe processors 510. Main memory 515 may include, but is not limited to,dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The mobile device 505 also maycomprise a non-volatile memory 520 for storage of date when no power isapplied, which may include flash memory or other technology to storedata. Storage in the main memory or non-volatile memory 520 may includereceived shared environmental data. The mobile device 505 may furtherinclude a read only memory (ROM) 525 or other static storage device forstoring static information and instructions for the processors 510.

In some embodiments, the mobile device 505 includes one or more localenvironmental sensors 530 to generate sensor data regardingenvironmental conditions, for example a skin temperature of the mobiledevice 505. In some embodiments, the mobile device includes a chassis orcover 507, the skin temperature representing temperature for the chassisor cover 507. In some embodiments, an application of the sensor data ismodified based at least in part on the shared environmental datareceived from the client device 580.

In some embodiments, the mobile device 505 includes one or moretransmitters or receivers 545 coupled to the bus 565. In someembodiments, the mobile device 505 may include one or more antennae 547,for example dipole or monopole antennae, for the transmission andreception of data via wireless communication using a wirelesstransmitter, receiver, or both, and one or more ports 546 for thetransmission and reception of data via the wireless network 500.Wireless communication includes, but is not limited to, Wi-Fi,Bluetooth™, near field communication, and other wireless communicationstandards. The wireless communication may include transmission,reception, or both of shared environmental data according to theenvironmental data sharing protocol.

In some embodiments, the mobile device 505 includes one or more inputdevices 535 for the input of data, including hard and soft buttons, ajoy stick, a mouse or other pointing device, a keyboard, voice commandsystem, or gesture recognition system. In some embodiments, the mobiledevice 505 includes an output display 540, where the output display 540may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) or any other displaytechnology, for displaying information or content to a user. In someenvironments, the output display 540 is a touch-screen that is alsoutilized as at least a part of an input device 535. Output display 540may further include audio output, including one or more speakers, audiooutput jacks (if present for the mobile device), or other audio, andother output to the user.

In some embodiments, the mobile device 505 includes a power control unit555 to control the consumption of power in the mobile device. Inaddition to other usages of shared environmental data, data that isshared according to the environmental data sharing protocol may beutilized to modify the control of power consumption. In a particularexample, received shared environmental data providing ambienttemperature is utilized to modify one or more temperature thresholds,which are then utilized to evaluate skin temperature of the mobiledevice.

The mobile device 505 may also comprise a battery or other power source560, which may include a solar cell, a fuel cell, a charged capacitor,near field inductive coupling, or other system or device for providingor generating power in the mobile device 505. The power provided by thepower source 560 may be distributed as required to elements of themobile device 505.

In some embodiments, the second client device 580 may include one ormore environmental sensors 582, which may include a temperature sensor583, a barometric pressure sensor 584, a humidity sensor 585, or otherenvironmental data sensor. In some embodiments, the client devicefurther includes a processor or controller 586 for control of operationof the client device 580, a transmitter, receiver, or both 587 for thetransmission and reception of data, and one or more antennae fortransmission or reception of data 588. In one particular example, theclient device 580 may include a device, for example a thermostat, thatmeasures environmental data utilizing the environmental sensors 582, andoperates to transmit the environmental data according to theenvironmental data sharing protocol. However, embodiments are notlimited to this type of client device, and may include other stationaryor mobile devices.

In the description above, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the described embodiments. It will be apparent,however, to one skilled in the art that embodiments may be practicedwithout some of these specific details. In other instances, well-knownstructures and devices are shown in block diagram form. There may beintermediate structure between illustrated components. The componentsdescribed or illustrated herein may have additional inputs or outputsthat are not illustrated or described.

Various embodiments may include various processes. These processes maybe performed by hardware components or may be embodied in computerprogram or machine-executable instructions, which may be used to cause ageneral-purpose or special-purpose processor or logic circuitsprogrammed with the instructions to perform the processes.Alternatively, the processes may be performed by a combination ofhardware and software.

Portions of various embodiments may be provided as a computer programproduct, which may include a computer-readable medium having storedthereon computer program instructions, which may be used to program acomputer (or other electronic devices) for execution by one or moreprocessors to perform a process according to certain embodiments. Thecomputer-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, magneticdisks, optical disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory(RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM),electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magneticor optical cards, flash memory, or other type of computer-readablemedium suitable for storing electronic instructions. Moreover,embodiments may also be downloaded as a computer program product,wherein the program may be transferred from a remote computer to arequesting computer.

Many of the methods are described in their most basic form, butprocesses can be added to or deleted from any of the methods andinformation can be added or subtracted from any of the describedmessages without departing from the basic scope of the presentembodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that manyfurther modifications and adaptations can be made. The particularembodiments are not provided to limit the concept but to illustrate it.The scope of the embodiments is not to be determined by the specificexamples provided above but only by the claims below.

If it is said that an element “A” is coupled to or with element “B,”element A may be directly coupled to element B or be indirectly coupledthrough, for example, element C. When the specification or claims statethat a component, feature, structure, process, or characteristic A“causes” a component, feature, structure, process, or characteristic B,it means that “A” is at least a partial cause of “B” but that there mayalso be at least one other component, feature, structure, process, orcharacteristic that assists in causing “B.” If the specificationindicates that a component, feature, structure, process, orcharacteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particularcomponent, feature, structure, process, or characteristic is notrequired to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or“an” element, this does not mean there is only one of the describedelements.

An embodiment is an implementation or example. Reference in thespecification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,”or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiments is includedin at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments. Thevarious appearances of “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” or “someembodiments” are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments.It should be appreciated that in the foregoing description of exemplaryembodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a singleembodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose ofstreamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one ormore of the various novel aspects. This method of disclosure, however,is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimedembodiments requires more features than are expressly recited in eachclaim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, novel aspects lie inless than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus,the claims are hereby expressly incorporated into this description, witheach claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

In some embodiments, a client device includes a processor; anenvironmental sensor to sense an environmental condition, an output ofthe environmental sensor being a local environmental sensor value; and awireless receiver to receive environmental data for a certain proximityarea from a second client device according to an environmental datasharing protocol via a wireless network, wherein the environmental datasharing protocol allows receipt of the environmental data withoutrequiring pairing, bonding, or other relationship of client devices.

In some embodiments, the wireless network includes one of wirelesscommunication to access the Internet or a short distance wirelesscommunication system. In some embodiments, the second client device isan Internet of Things (IoT) device. In some embodiments, the wirelessnetwork includes Bluetooth™.

In some embodiments, the received environmental data includes one ormore of temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, altitude, light, andsound. In some embodiments, the received environmental data includesambient temperature.

In some embodiments, the client device is to apply the receivedenvironment data for client device management.

In some embodiments, the client device is to adjust a threshold valuefor the local environmental sensor value based on the receivedenvironmental data, and to apply the adjusted threshold data inoperation of the client device.

In some embodiments, the environmental condition is a skin temperatureof the client device and the threshold value is a threshold temperaturefor the skin temperature.

In some embodiments, the client device further includes a power controlunit, the power control unit to enable or disable one or more powercontrol measures based on a comparison between the skin temperature andthe adjusted threshold temperature.

In some embodiments, one or more non-transitory computer-readablestorage mediums having stored thereon data representing sequences ofinstructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause theone or more processors to perform operations including establishingcommunication at a client device in a wireless network; measuringenvironmental conditions with one or more environmental sensors of theclient device to generate sensor signals; generating environmental datafor transmission based on the sensor signals; preparing an environmentaldata frame according to an environmental data sharing protocol andinserting the environmental data into the data frame; and transmittingthe environmental data frame by the client device on the wirelessnetwork, wherein the environmental data sharing protocol allowstransmission of the environmental data without requiring pairing,bonding, or other relationship of client devices.

In some embodiments, the wireless network includes one or wirelesscommunication to access the Internet or a short distance wirelesscommunication system. In some embodiments, the client device is anInternet of Things (IoT) device.

In some embodiments, the wireless network includes Bluetooth™.

In some embodiments, the environmental data includes one or more oftemperature, humidity, barometric pressure, altitude, light, and sounddata. In some embodiments, the environmental data includes ambienttemperature.

In some embodiments, the instruction further include monitoring for arequest for environmental data on the wireless network, whereinpreparation of environmental data for transmission is performed inresponse to a received request for environmental data.

In some embodiments, one or more non-transitory computer-readablestorage mediums having stored thereon data representing sequences ofinstructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause theone or more processors to perform operations including establishingcommunication at a client device in a wireless network; measuring alocal environmental sensor value with an environmental sensor;monitoring for shared environmental data according to an environmentaldata sharing protocol; receiving an environmental data frame from asecond client device, the environmental data frame containingenvironmental data according to the environmental data sharing protocol;and retrieving the environmental data from the received environmentaldata frame, wherein the environmental data sharing protocol allowsreceipt of the environmental data without requiring pairing, bonding, orother relationship of client devices.

In some embodiments, the wireless network includes one of wirelesscommunication to access the Internet or a short distance wirelesscommunication system.

In some embodiments, the received environmental data includes one ormore of temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, altitude, light, andsound data. In some embodiments, the received environmental dataincludes ambient temperature.

In some embodiments, the instructions further include applying thereceived environment data for client device management. In someembodiments, the instructions further include adjusting a thresholdvalue for the local environmental sensor value based on the receivedenvironmental data. In some embodiments, the environmental condition isa skin temperature of the client device and the threshold value is athreshold temperature for the skin temperature, and the instructionsfurther include enabling or disabling one or more power control measuresfor the client device based on a comparison between the localenvironmental sensor value and the adjusted threshold temperature.

In some embodiments, the instructions further include preparing arequest for environmental data and transmitting the request on thewireless network.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes means for establishingcommunication at a client device in a wireless network; means formeasuring environmental conditions with one or more environmentalsensors of the client device to generate sensor signals; means forgenerating environmental data for transmission based on the sensorsignals; means for preparing an environmental data frame according to anenvironmental data sharing protocol and inserting the environmental datainto the data frame; and means for transmitting the environmental dataframe by the client device on the wireless network, wherein theenvironmental data sharing protocol allows transmission of theenvironmental data without requiring pairing, bonding, or otherrelationship of client devices.

In some embodiments, the wireless network includes one or wirelesscommunication to access the Internet or a short distance wirelesscommunication system. In some embodiments, the client device is anInternet of Things (IoT) device. In some embodiments, the wirelessnetwork includes Bluetooth™.

In some embodiments, the environmental data includes one or more oftemperature, humidity, barometric pressure, altitude, light, and sounddata. In some embodiments, the environmental data includes ambienttemperature.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes means for monitoringfor a request for environmental data on the wireless network, whereinpreparation of environmental data for transmission is performed inresponse to a received request for environmental data.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes means for establishingcommunication at a client device in a wireless network; means formeasuring a local environmental sensor value with an environmentalsensor; means for monitoring for shared environmental data according toan environmental data sharing protocol; means for receiving anenvironmental data frame from a second client device, the environmentaldata frame containing environmental data according to the environmentaldata sharing protocol; and means for retrieving the environmental datafrom the received environmental data frame, wherein the environmentaldata sharing protocol allows receipt of the environmental data withoutrequiring pairing, bonding, or other relationship of client devices.

In some embodiments, the wireless network includes one of wirelesscommunication to access the Internet or a short distance wirelesscommunication system.

In some embodiments, the received environmental data includes one ormore of temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, altitude, light, andsound data. In some embodiments, the received environmental dataincludes ambient temperature.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes means for applyingthe received environment data for client device management. In someembodiments, the apparatus further includes means for adjusting athreshold value for the local environmental sensor value based on thereceived environmental data. In some embodiments, the environmentalcondition is a skin temperature of the client device and the thresholdvalue is a threshold temperature for the skin temperature, the apparatusfurther includes means for enabling or disabling one or more powercontrol measures for the client device based on a comparison between thelocal environmental sensor value and the adjusted threshold temperature.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes means for preparinga request for environmental data and transmitting the request on thewireless network.

What is claimed is:
 1. A client device comprising: a processor; anenvironmental sensor to sense an environmental condition, an output ofthe environmental sensor being a local environmental sensor value; and awireless receiver to receive environmental data for a certain proximityarea from a second client device according to an environmental datasharing protocol via a wireless network; wherein the environmental datasharing protocol allows receipt of the environmental data withoutrequiring pairing, bonding, or other relationship of client devices. 2.The client device of claim 1, wherein the wireless network includes oneof wireless communication to access the Internet or a short distancewireless communication system.
 3. The client device of claim 2, whereinthe second client device is an Internet of Things (IoT) device.
 4. Theclient device of claim 2, wherein the wireless network includesBluetooth™.
 5. The client device of claim 1, wherein the receivedenvironmental data includes one or more of temperature, humidity,barometric pressure, altitude, light, and sound.
 6. The client device ofclaim 5, wherein the received environmental data includes ambienttemperature.
 7. The client device of claim 1, wherein the client deviceis to apply the received environmental data for client devicemanagement.
 8. The client device of claim 7, wherein the client deviceis to adjust a threshold value for the local environmental sensor valuebased on the received environmental data, and to apply the adjustedthreshold value in operation of the client device.
 9. The client deviceof claim 8, wherein the environmental condition is a skin temperature ofthe client device and the threshold value is a threshold temperature forthe skin temperature.
 10. The client device of claim 9, furthercomprising a power control unit, the power control unit to enable ordisable one or more power control measures based on a comparison betweenthe skin temperature and the adjusted threshold temperature.
 11. One ormore non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums having storedthereon data representing sequences of instructions that, when executedby one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to performoperations comprising: establishing communication at a client device ina wireless network; measuring environmental conditions with one or moreenvironmental sensors of the client device to generate sensor signals;generating environmental data for transmission based on the sensorsignals; preparing an environmental data frame according to anenvironmental data sharing protocol and inserting the environmental datainto the data frame; and transmitting the environmental data frame bythe client device on the wireless network; wherein the environmentaldata sharing protocol allows transmission of the environmental datawithout requiring pairing, bonding, or other relationship of clientdevices.
 12. The medium of claim 11, wherein the wireless networkincludes one or wireless communication to access the Internet or a shortdistance wireless communication system.
 13. The medium of claim 12,wherein the client device is an Internet of Things (IoT) device.
 14. Themedium of claim 12, wherein the wireless network includes Bluetooth™.15. The medium of claim 11, wherein the environmental data includes oneor more of temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, altitude, light,and sound data.
 16. The medium of claim 15, wherein the environmentaldata includes ambient temperature.
 17. The medium of claim 11, furthercomprising instructions that, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, cause the one or more processors to perform operationscomprising: monitoring for a request for environmental data on thewireless network, wherein preparation of environmental data fortransmission is performed in response to a received request forenvironmental data.
 18. One or more non-transitory computer-readablestorage mediums having stored thereon data representing sequences ofinstructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause theone or more processors to perform operations comprising: establishingcommunication at a client device in a wireless network; measuring alocal environmental sensor value with an environmental sensor;monitoring for shared environmental data according to an environmentaldata sharing protocol; receiving an environmental data frame from asecond client device, the environmental data frame containingenvironmental data according to the environmental data sharing protocol;and retrieving the environmental data from the received environmentaldata frame; wherein the environmental data sharing protocol allowsreceipt of the environmental data without requiring pairing, bonding, orother relationship of client devices.
 19. The medium of claim 18,wherein the wireless network includes one of wireless communication toaccess the Internet or a short distance wireless communication system.20. The medium of claim 18, wherein the received environmental dataincludes one or more of temperature, humidity, barometric pressure,altitude, light, and sound data.
 21. The medium of claim 20, wherein thereceived environmental data includes ambient temperature.
 22. The mediumof claim 18, further comprising instructions that, when executed by theone or more processors, cause the one or more processors to performoperations comprising: applying the received environmental data forclient device management.
 23. The medium of claim 22, further comprisinginstructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, causethe one or more processors to perform operations comprising: adjusting athreshold value for the local environmental sensor value based on thereceived environmental data.
 24. The medium of claim 23, wherein theenvironmental condition is a skin temperature of the client device andthe threshold value is a threshold temperature for the skin temperature,and further comprising instructions that, when executed by the one ormore processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operationscomprising: enabling or disabling one or more power control measures forthe client device based on a comparison between the local environmentalsensor value and the adjusted threshold temperature.
 25. The medium ofclaim 18, further comprising instructions that, when executed by the oneor more processors, cause the one or more processors to performoperations comprising: preparing a request for environmental data andtransmitting the request on the wireless network.